Hidden Gems: Big Nine

<p>As the season approaches, preview content begins to escalate for the 2019-20 hoops campaign.</p> <p>We’ll continue this series called Hidden Gems by naming one sleeper prospect from each team, conference by conference. Who is poised for a big season with new responsibilities? NHR details an up-and-comer from every angle in the Big Nine.</p> <p><strong>Albert Lea: Chay Guen, 6-6 F, Sr. </strong>There hasn't been a lot to talk about when it comes to Albert Lea basketball in recent years. Guen's potential stands out. He was a double-digit producer as a junior on a three-win team. We don't know much else about the supporting cast, but Guen's size and athleticism gives him an edge in the conference and possibility to break out on the statewide scene.</p> <p><strong>Austin: </strong><strong>Teyghan Hovland, 6-3 SF, Jr. </strong>In a Packer world of hectic defense, highflying rebounders and superspeed transition offense, Hovland fit right in as a sophomore, stepping up to join the fight for another state-level Austin team. His role expands on the court alongside his development as a high-profile baseball player — on the hardwood he cleans the glass and plays physical on both ends. Hovland could see a few extra scoring opportunities inside and out this year.</p> <p><strong>Faribault: Nick Ehlers, 6-5 PF, Jr. </strong>Another team that's gone under the rug in recent years is Faribault, stuck in the bottom third of the conference without enough firepower to compete at a higher level. Ehlers could be the next big thing for the Falcons after a strong year in the paint. He's strong and smart under the hoop with his angles and can hold his own defensively.</p> <p><strong>Mankato East: Jordan Merseth, 6-6 PF/C, Sr. </strong>Few post players have such a natural blend of traditional inside skills and soft touch on jump shots in high school. Merseth is an agile but immovable force in the paint and his double digit scoring average as a junior will see some increase because of his strong summer with MN Rise. He boasts quick feet and unflappable finishing ability at the rim. More D3s and NAIAs should get on his tail.</p> <p><strong>Mankato West: Mason Ellwein, 6-0 PG, Jr. </strong>Seeing lots of run as a sophomore for a Scarlets team that has youth across the board, Ellwein showed plus skills in many facets of the game last year. He put together some high-teens production in the scoring column and rebounded well for his position. More exposure to the strong defenses in the Big Nine will make him adapt even more so now that he's a known threat with the ball in his hands. West is in good shape with him running the show next to star Mekhi Collins.</p> <p><strong>Northfield: Kip Schetnan, 6-3 G/F, Jr. </strong>Seen as the centerpiece of Northfield's steady rebuild lately, there's no reason to call it a rebuild anymore. The Raiders won 17 games a year ago and Schetnan led the way scoring in versatile forms on the wing. He's just a junior and will take the reins fully this season. He's strong and broad and decisive to score, packing a punch Northfield needs to compete in their move up to Class AAAA again.</p> <p><strong>Owatonna: Evan Dushek, 6-5 PF, So.</strong> The burly stretch forward made big strides in his defense this summer and has lots of potential as an inside-out scorer for the Huskies. He uses his body well for angles and plays aggressive. Has a clutch gene too after knocking home a few game winners for the Minnesota Heat. Long live the goggles!</p> <p><strong>Red Wing: Deso Buck, 5-11 G, So. </strong>Buck is a familiar name around Red Wing. Tesha played at Wisconsin-Green Bay and New Mexico. Ty was a standout prep player and is a starter for the MSU-Mankato baseball team. Tayzha was a five-year varsity hooper. It all started with dad Richard back in the early 1990s when he was a statewide star. Deso is the youngest sibling, ready to build off a promising freshman season and bring Red Wing some recognition. He averaged a few scores a game last year and with the two leading Winger scorers departed, there's plenty of room to lead the way. He has a good crossover and proven range from deep.</p> <p><strong>Rochester Century: Gabe Hanson, 6-0 SG, Sr. </strong>Jack Fisher will be the go-to scorer for the Panthers this season again but a nice low-maintenance complement to him will be the balanced Gabe Hanson. He neared double figures a year ago thanks to his strong base when setting feet for triples and having a nose for loose balls on the defensive end. Another reliable two-way guy for a blossoming team exiting the Big Nine cellar.</p> <p><strong>Rochester John Marshall: Will Woodford, 6-4 F, Sr. </strong>There is a semi-logjam in the frontcourt for the Rockets but that just means more depth of grit on the boards. Will Woodford is a prime example of the hard-nosed, aggressive and efficient combo forward that every team needs. His value increases as his skills and opportunities did this summer with Fury Kallman. He finishes in traffic and can guard bigger opponents while giving them some trouble.</p> <p><strong>Rochester Mayo: Michael Sharp, 6-0 SG, Jr. </strong>Add another name to the fine returning backcourt rotation for the green and gold. Sharp will be a great third or fourth option with so much defensive attention on the Madsen twins as creators that Sharp ill be in position for countless kickout and extra pass triples. He also can attack closeouts hard and make multiple plays as he enters the paint. Confident junior with a stroke.</p> <p><strong>Winona: Jackson Nibbelink, 6-4 F, Sr. </strong>The firepower of Reeck and Winter has graduated, and Jackson's athleticism is a good place to begin when talking Winhawks for 2019-20. He's long and agile enough to stay with almost any opponent. He also does a little bit of everything on offense which will allow for the new rotation members to play off of him and ease into roles. He's the Winona quarterback as well so leadership quality is there.</p>